How to create a Telegram channel and grow it
Creating a Telegram channel takes a minute on a phone or computer. Making people read it takes more. This guide covers creating a channel or group, the settings to switch on first, what to post before inviting anyone, and how to grow and monetise the channel inside Telegram.
How to create a channel
Android: tap the pencil button → New Channel. iPhone: Chats tab → new message icon → New Channel. Desktop: menu → New Channel. Then:
- Enter a name and description. The name is searchable in Telegram, so include your topic: "Daily Spanish words" is found, "Maria's corner" is not.
- Add a simple avatar that reads well in a small circle.
- Choose Public, with a short t.me/name link, or Private, with an invite link only.
- Invite contacts or skip.
Opening an account first? Telegram needs a phone number for sign-up; the number can stay hidden from others in privacy settings.
Channel or group?
| Channel | Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Who posts | Admins only | All members |
| Size | Unlimited subscribers | Up to 200,000 members |
| Best for | News, blogs, announcements | Discussion, community, support |
Many projects use both: a channel for posts and a linked group for comments.
Settings to turn on first
- Discussion: link a group so posts get a comments button.
- Reactions: choose which reactions are allowed.
- Sign messages if several people post.
- Restrict saving content for exclusive material.
- Admins: give helpers only the rights they need.
First posts
Publish five to ten posts before inviting people: new visitors scroll up and decide in seconds. Pin a post that says what the channel is about and how often you post. Then post on a steady schedule; three strong posts a week beat ten random ones a day.
How to grow a channel
- Your own platforms: link the channel in your bio, website and email signature.
- Cross-promotion with channels of similar size and related topics.
- Telegram search: keywords in the name and description bring free subscribers.
- Useful posts such as checklists and guides get forwarded, and forwards bring new readers.
- Paid promotion: posts in other channels or the official Telegram Ads, covered in Telegram Ads.
Useful bots for channels
Bots can schedule posts, add buttons, run polls and moderate the comments group. How to find good ones and avoid fakes: Telegram bots.
How channels earn
- Selling posts to advertisers.
- Telegram Stars: paid reactions, paid posts and paid subscriptions. See Telegram Stars.
- Ad revenue share from official Telegram Ads where the program is available.
- Selling your own products or services to the audience.
More options and the scams to avoid: how to make money on Telegram.
Telegram is also a place for games. TotalHash is a free mining mini app with small USD₮ and GRAM rewards for tasks, such as joining channels.
A free mining game inside Telegram.
Open TotalHashQuick answers
How do I create a Telegram channel?
On Android tap the pencil button, on iPhone the new message icon in Chats, on desktop the menu, then choose New Channel, add a name and pick public or private.
What is the difference between a channel and a group?
In a channel only admins post to unlimited subscribers; in a group all members can write, up to 200,000 people.
How do I grow a Telegram channel?
Use keywords in the name for Telegram search, post useful content on a schedule, cross-promote with similar channels and buy ads only where engagement is real.
Can a Telegram channel make money?
Yes, through selling posts, Telegram Stars, paid subscriptions, ad revenue share where available and your own products.